Luciole Brochure

8/6/2019 Luciole Brochure

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F R A N C E B Y B A R G E

THE LUCIOLE

BURGUNDY EXPLORED CRUISING ON THE LUCIOLE


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F R A N C E B Y B A R G E

THE LUCIOLE


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F R A N C E B Y B A R G E THE LUCIOLE

Reaching deep into Burgundy, our barge the

Luciole explores a magical region in the very

heart of France. Characterful and entrancing,

the Nivernais Canal that we cruise is the most

varied and, in our firm opinion, the mostattractive of them all.

Within comfortable reach of Paris where we

meet our guests at a centrally-based hotel

before traveling to the barge the Luciole

provides a means of visiting the countryside of

France at its most splendid. On our weekly

cruises we are able to accommodate up to 14

guests on board, with a substantial saloon and

eight comfortable cabins, air-conditioned

throughout. Managing the vessel is our friendly

and expert crew of six, who know our

operating area well.

We have a reputation stretching over 30 years

of operation for excellent cuisine, based on

the renowned gastronomy of France, while the

Lucioles crew is steeped in our own tradition: of

thoughtful, personal service. Year after yearguests have commented on the warm-spirited

yet professional nature of all who work on

board, and the pleasure this has brought.

Daily excursions are made in our bus to

medieval towns, chateaux and the glorious

vineyards of Chablis blending culture and

shopping opportunities along the way! Beside

the canal the old towing-paths, free of passing

traffic, are perfect for a stroll beside the barge

as she makes her way between the locks.

Bicycles are also provided for further exploration

into a region where the possibilities are boundless.

The perfect great escape, to relax and watch the ever-

changing vista slip quietly by while sipping Chablis on deck

and laughing with new-found friends. We never dreamed it

would be so wonderful truly the experience of a lifetime

Above: John and Penny

Liley, co-owners of the

Luciole. The photos belowshow the medieval town of

Noyers-sur-Serein and the

Luciole cruising a river

section by the rocks at

Le Saussois.

CRUISING ON THE LUCIOLE


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F R A N C E B Y B A R G E THE L UC IO LE

As co-owners of the Luciole, John and Penny

Liley have over 50 years combined experience of

barging. Previously John was editor of a leading

British yachting magazine, taking time out in the

early 1970s to explore the entire French river

and canal system and writing his much-

acclaimed guide-book France - the Quiet Way.

As a result of these journeys, he selected the

Nivernais Canal then little-known and under

the threat of closure establishing our present

hotel-barge business in 1976.

Penny first worked on the Luciole as a chef in

1986 and has since played a major role in

creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where

a feeling of calm and attention to detail is

apparent as soon as one steps aboard.

Neil Gorrie, Captain of the Luciole, has many

years of hotel barge experience; his flair as a

guide and historian is greatly appreciated by our

passengers. Working with Neil are five further

crew members - Francisco our pilot, along with

our highly skilled chef, who produces the finest

cuisine, and is also able to provide for special

dietary requirements. Two housekeepers attend

to the Lucioles inside needs, while a matelot,

or deckhand, supports the pilot. Together they

form a close-knit and capable team, ensuring

the warm-spirited ambiance for which the

Luciole is well-known.

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY

Many thanks for a wonderful vacation that wastotal relaxation. The food, ambiance and biking

were the best ever. It was truly a delight we

shall never forget.

Thank you for the amazing experience! I will

treasure this trip for the rest of my life.

Luciole = the good life! We totally loved our

French barge experience thanks to the efforts

of a first rate crew. Every minute was precious.

More than we ever imagined scenery wise,

food wise and most of all, people wise. Thank

you for a fabulous holiday.

ABOUT OURSELVES

Neil Gorrie,

Captain of the Luciole


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The Luciole accommodates up to 14 passengers.

Our eight cabins are individually air-conditioned.

Three have double beds (which can be converted

into twins), three have a twin-bedded layout, and

there are two single cabins. Each has its own

private bathroom.

From the air-conditioned saloon large picture

windows allow uninterrupted views. The open

bar is freely available at all times. The easily

accessible sun deck, with seating, tables and

umbrellas, offers the perfect place to enjoy the

unfolding scenery of rural Burgundy. For

passengers with mobility difficulties the joy of a

barge cruise lies in the constantly changing

scene our sundeck providing the perfect

viewpoint at which to sit, unwind and watch

Burgundy unfold!

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Under her previous name of Palinurus, the

Luciole was the first hotel-barge to cruise the

waterways of France. Palinurus entered service

in 1966, going on to feature in Floating Island,

Emily Kimbroughs affectionate account of a

voyage into Burgundy. Rebuilt and refurbished

under her new name, and continually updated,

Luciole is a respected vessel throughout the

French canals.

Deck plan

Saloon and sundeck

3 Double-bedded cabins,

(can be converted to twins)

3 Twin-bedded cabins,

2 Single-bedded cabins,

Each cabin with own

shower, basin and WC

Facilities

Air-conditioning throughout,

(with individual cabin control)

Central heating

220 volt supply in each cabin

Hair-driers

Molton Brown toiletries

Catering for dietary needs

Open bar

Library in saloon

Games

Music system (saloon)

Touring bicycles

We maintain an on-board

no-smoking policy

THE LAYOUT OF THE LUCIOLE


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Our Route

Varied and dramatic, the Nivernais Canal offers

all the attractions of a rural waterway, the

River Yonne interweaving with sections of

man-made canal. Work began in 1784,

reaching completion in 1842. On our cruise we

pass through 35 locks, each with its keepers

house alongside, a succession of stone-built

villages marking the way as Charolais cattle

graze in the meadows alongside. Once used

for floating timber and wine down to Paris,

this enchanting waterway preserves the

character of 200 years ago.

The Nivernais, from Auxerre to Clamecy

a typical itinerary

Sunday: The rendezvous in Paris at 2.30 pm is

followed by the journey in our private bus to

the Luciole at her mooring beneath the

cathedral of Saint Etienne in Auxerre. The

waterfront here is amongst the most

picturesque in France. A Champagne reception

welcomes our guests on board.

Monday: A cruise upriver leads us into beautiful

pastoral countryside, along sweeping reaches of

the River Yonne. Hand-wound locks lie along

our course, providing opportunities to step

ashore as we work the barge through. We moor

at the village of Bailly, home to Burgundys

Crmant sparkling wine. An afternoon visit is

made to Chablis, to a private wine cellar, then

on into the famous vineyards of the area

Tuesday: The mornings voyage takes us up an

attractive arm of the canal and on to the River

Cure at Vermenton. In the afternoon we return

by bus to tour historic Auxerre and its old

shopping centre, taking time to enjoy French

provincial life.

Wednesday: From Vermenton, we visit delightful

Noyers-sur-Serein. With its friendly market stalls,

half-timbered houses and turreted ramparts, it is

easy to see why Noyers-sur-Serein has been

nominated one of the most beautiful villages in

France. After lunch we return down the

Vermenton Arm, turning southwards at its end

to a night-time mooring at Mailly-la-Ville.

Top: our bus arrives in Paris

for the transfer to the

Luciole. Above: the church

of St Martin in Clamecy

Below: Noyers-sur-Serein;

barrels in Chablis; theChateau of Bazoches.

Opposite Page: vineyards at

Irancy; ramparts at Vzelay;

mooring in Auxerre.

ROUTE AND ITINERARY


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Thursday: A morning drive takes our group to

Vzelay, where the spectacular 12th Century

Basilica dominates the town. Here St Bernard

preached the 2nd Crusade. Vzelay, a centre of

pilgrimage still, is a focal point for the region,

with numerous shops and cafes. In the

afternoon we cruise again, past the dramatic

cliffs of Le Saussois to an evening mooring at

Chtel-Censoir.

Friday: Our cruise in the morning is to Clamecy,

a medieval town of narrow streets and stairways

and a worthy climax to the cruise. The final visit

is to the imposing Chateau of Bazoches. Set on

a hillside amidst a rolling landscape, this was

the 17th Century home of the Marquis de

Vauban, Frances great military engineer.

Saturday: An after-breakfast departure for Paris

anticipates arrival there around 1 pm. For guests

wishing to travel elsewhere in France by hire car,

we can always stop in Auxerre while passing

through on our way.

PARIS

DIJONCLAMCY

AUXERRE

BURGUNDY

AUXERRE

CLAMCY


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It is our great delight that meals on board the

Luciole are treasured times: opportunities to

share with friends, old or new, a summer

luncheon or candlelit dinner. The warm

ambiance for which the Luciole is renowned is

no better experienced than when gathered

round a table with the anticipation of unfolding

culinary delights.

Our chef is encouraged to be innovative and

imaginative, marrying French cuisine with a

contemporary twist while using fresh local

ingredients. Breakfast commences with the

arrival of freshly-baked croissants, pastries and

bread. Lunch is a feast of salads and savoury

dishes, followed by a selection of fresh fruit and

cheeses. The four-course evening meal is the

gastronomic highlight of each day, to be

concluded, on starry nights for which Burgundy

is noted, with coffee and liqueurs on deck.

We take you on a wine tour of the country,

choosing wines to compliment our menus all

are recommended by wine expert Marc Ragaine,

voted the worlds best independent wine

merchant in 2003. We serve 18 wines from 12

different grape varieties each with its own

specific character, reflecting the terroir and the

great diversity of the vineyards of France.

SOME SAMPLE MENUS

Lunch

Mushroom and pancetta-stuffed peppers

Burgundian cheese gougre

Mediterranean couscous with roasted vegetables

Tomato and pesto salad with pine nuts

Mixed bean salad with lemon and thymeGreen salad with Dijon mustard dressing

Fresh fruit

Cheese: Petit Billy and Cantal

Dinner

Pan-seared scallops with ribboned courgettes

Maigret of duck with cassis and Burgundy jus

Gratin Dauphinoise

French green beans

Crispy leeks

Cheese: Brie de Meaux, Epoisses and Roquefort

Mango and lime tart with raspberry coulis

Coffee, chocolates and liqueurs

FOOD AND WINE ON THE LUCIOLE


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Over the years groups of friends and family

parties have frequently chartered the Luciole for

their own exclusive use. For special interest

groups individual cruise itineraries can be

designed. Business gatherings are also

welcomed, with our cruising timetable adjusted

to suit a specialised schedule.

On board the Luciole your holiday can provide

as much or as little activity as you choose.

Bicycles are kept on board for riding on the

path beside the waterway or the country lanes

around. Exploring the charming villages and

rural surroundings can be a magical part of

each cruise. A stroll between the locks affords

the opportunity to meet the resident keepers,

and admire their vegetable and flower gardens

as the barge calls by.

Hot air balloon flights may also be arranged. We

are in touch with reliable independent operators

who undertake all arrangements, visiting the

barge upon request to agree final details.

CRUISING AS A CHARTER GROUP BIKING, WALKING & BALLOONING

We often carry family charter groups, extending

over the generations. These are wonderful

weeks and we can easily arrange alternative

meal times and excursions. Swimming and

canoeing are always popular!

The variety of barging life

Activities can include biking,

ballooning, or as illustrated by

a youthful member of a family

charter group at a mooring in

the river swimming!

FAMILY CHARTER GROUPS


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CLOTHES TO BRING ALL-INCLUSIVE CRUISE RATES

The Luciole, Le Tricolore of

France, Pousseaux and dawn

at Chtel-Censoir.

Opposite: Life on board and

in the picturesque centre of

Auxerre.

The climate is generally warm and sunny and

informal summer clothes are preferred by our

guests. For evenings and early mornings a

sweater is advisable, together with protection

against the occasional shower of rain. Light

rubber-soled shoes are the most suitable on

board, while you may need walking shoes for

local exploration.

Our weekly all-inclusive fares cover six nights

accommodation, all meals and wine served on

board, together with drinks from our open bar.

Use of the barges bus for local excursions is

also provided, under the direction of the

Captain and our tour guide. Rates also include

our scheduled bus transfer to the Luciole from

Paris and the return journey.


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The chartering contract is between Luciole passengers

and our company, Inland Voyages (Bookings) Limited.

Reservations are confirmed upon the receipt of a

deposit of one quarter of the total fare. In the event

of cancellation 90% of this deposit is refundable if the

space is resold at the printed rate.

Final payment is due 90 days before departure, and

again 90% of the payment is refunded if the space is

resold at the printed rate.

We strongly advise that cancellation insurance is taken

out at the time of the deposit payment.

We reserve the right to increase fares in the event of

substantial fluctuations in currency exchange rates

(although, in practice, we have never yet had to do

this in all our years of operating).

We must also reserve the right to cancel a cruise, if

through circumstances beyond our control it is

impossible to provide the holiday. In such a case sums

received will be returned in full, but passengers shall

have no claim against us as operators or any travel

agents involved.

Nor can responsibility be accepted for delays caused

by waterway repairs, flood, drought or untoward

events, and we must reserve the right to vary a cruise.

In such an event we will endeavour to re-route the

barge. If a holiday is curtailed, payments received of

amounts proportional to the unexpired portion of a

holiday will be refunded, but no further claim can be

made. All agreements entered into between the client

and Inland Voyages (Bookings) Limited, on behalf of

our sister company Inland Voyages Limited, proprietor

of the Luciole, shall be governed by English Law.

LUCIOLE BOOKING CONDITIONS


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www.inlandvoyages.com

Photos in this brochure are by Ant Palmer, Tony Duncan-Smith and Penny Liley

Brochure designed by Tony Duncan-Smith

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